Anbessa Foundation is a bridge. Bridges connect people and places. Bridges make it possible to exchange knowledge, ideas, cultures, traditions, resources, and energy for the mutual benefit of those on both sides of the bridge. Anbessa Foundation is pleased to share with you our history, leadership, mission and programs.

History

The Anbessa Movement began with Anbessa Productions which was started by Esteban Dessalines and Solomon Feleke in April of 2005. Esteban had employed Solomon as his gardener and they became friends. Their first event, the Enkutatash concert, which took place on September 10, 2005, went well. At this time Esteban and the concept of the Anbessa mission were introduced to the Ethio-American community in the Bay Area of California.

Anbessa Entertainment was formed when Solomon and Esteban joined forces with Elias Negash, in order to diversify and bring a multifaceted approach to introducing Ethiopian music and culture to a broader American audience. After Solomon’s departure from the group, Elias Negash, Mehret Abraha, and Esteban Dessalines formed Anbessa Enterprises, Inc. Their purpose was to develop an economic base, via magazine publishing, recording music, production of art, and merchandising, which would be capable of supporting and endowing the Anbessa Foundation. At the ESFNA tournament of July 2006, in Los Angeles, the idea of Anbessa Foundation was introduced to and well received by the larger Ethio-American community of the United States.

Finally, in the Winter/Spring of 2007, after visiting Ethiopia and with the assistance of those who casino spiele would become the board of directors, Esteban founded Anbessa Foundation, which was his goal from the beginning.

Mission

The mission of Anbessa Foundation is to be a bridge between Ethiopia and North America. We want to promote Ethiopian music and culture to people in North America and from there to the rest of the world.

We believe that the beauty and richness of Ethiopian culture can serve as a catalyst for change in the priorities, outlook, self-concept and behavior of African American youth by connecting them to a proud tradition that is as old as time itself.

We plan to promote the music and culture of Ethiopia in North America and beyond and to raise money through the promotion of fundraising concerts and cultural events in addition to public solicitation.

We also intend to be a conduit for the flow of funds and channeling of other resources to various programs, organizations, and agencies whose efforts to uplift the quality of life for those most in need in Ethiopia are recognized as being effective and would be enhanced by that increased funding.

Our first priority for that funding, are those programs, organizations, and agencies whose mandate is the care of the orphaned children of Ethiopia. A conservative accounting reveals that there are 4.6 million orphans in Ethiopia today. Most of those children are orphans as a result of AIDS and many of them are themselves afflicted. We can help and we must help.

Programs

We have identified the following programs, organizations, and agencies whose work to promote the culture of Ethiopia and/or to care for the children of Ethiopia helps to fulfill the Anbessa mission and warrants our support in our first year of operation. We expect to modify and/or update this list annually based on the performance of those programs, organizations, and agencies.

Be Informed

Make a Difference

Our first priority is the support of those programs, organizations, and agencies whose mandate is the care of the orphaned children of Ethiopia. Help stave the suffering with your kind donations.
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Culture and Community

We are not done! Register for our newsletter to stay informed about new updates to anbessa foundation. We will of course, be adding features regularly. On our road map is a social community to permit you to reach out and connect with Ethiopians and those that love Ethiopian culture wherever you live.